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Report Overview
The global in-flight catering service market reached a value of nearly USD 28.82 Billion in 2024. The market is assessed to grow at a CAGR of 5.50% during the forecast period of 2025-2034 to attain a value of around USD 49.23 Billion by 2034. The market is being driven by the expansion of low-cost carriers, technological advancements, the development of in-flight food delivery apps, the surging focus on health and wellness, and the growing shift towards sustainability.
2024
Base Year
2018-2024
Historical Period
2025-2034
Forecast Period
- The increasing number of air travellers worldwide, buoyed by rising disposable incomes and the thriving tourism sector, is boosting the in-flight catering service market development. As per the Airports Council International (ACI), global air passenger traffic reached 8.7 billion in 2023, witnessing a year-on-year surge of 30.6%. With the surging number of air passengers globally, the demand for in-flight meal options is rising.
- Low-cost carriers (LCCs) are witnessing robust expansion in both developed and developing countries due to the increasing middle-class population, the rising demand for affordable air travel options, and the expansion of regional connectivity. Reportedly, in India, low-cost carriers represented 78.4% of domestic capacity in April 2024, followed by Indonesia (68.4%), Brazil (62.4%), the United States (36.7%), and China (13.2%). With the increasing number of low-cost carriers, the demand for simplified and cost-effective catering solutions to appeal to budget-conscious consumers is increasing.
- Airlines are increasingly adopting technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and big data to offer hyper-personalised dining experiences to passengers. Such technologies are expected to optimise meal production, storage, and distribution, reducing delays and inefficiencies in meal preparation and services.
Compound Annual Growth Rate
Value in USD Billion
5.5%
2025-2034
In-Flight Catering Service Market Outlook
*this image is indicative*
Global In-Flight Catering Service Market Growth
The expansion of low-cost carriers, especially in emerging economies such as India and Brazil, is fuelling the in-flight catering service demand growth. Low-cost carriers are increasingly offering a diverse range of snack and meal options to improve the passenger experience, including customisable and healthier meals appealing to a diverse customer base.
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Airlines are actively collaborating with renowned restaurants and chefs to offer unique and gourmet meal options to passengers. For instance, in January 2025, Cathay Pacific partnered with Eaton HK’s Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant Yat Tung Heen to improve the inflight dining experience for its Economy and Premium Economy class customers.
The emergence of in-flight food delivery apps that enable passengers to pre-order meals from a curated selection of dishes and offer customisable and convenient dining experiences is creating lucrative in-flight catering service market opportunities. Airlines are also increasingly adopting automated meal preparation systems that leverage artificial intelligence and robotics to streamline meal assembly and packaging and automate repetitive tasks like mixing, chopping, and portioning. Moreover, airlines are exploring the use of virtual reality (VR) to provide interactive dining experiences and promote destination-based cuisine.
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If you choose to purchase the full report at a later stage, the amount already paid will be adjusted, and you will only need to pay the remaining balance.
Purchase the Regional Overview for
USD 1099
If you choose to purchase the full report at a later stage, the amount already paid will be adjusted, and you will only need to pay the remaining balance.
Purchase the Regional Overview for
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If you choose to purchase the full report at a later stage, the amount already paid will be adjusted, and you will only need to pay the remaining balance.
Key Trends and Recent Developments
Increasing focus on health and wellness; integration of ethnic and local flavours; surging emphasis on sustainability; and technological advancements and innovations are driving the in-flight catering service market.
Growing focus on health and wellness
With passengers becoming more health conscious, airlines are offering balanced and nutritious meal options. They are also providing food options that cater to specific dietary preferences such as gluten-free, vegan, keto, and low-calorie diets.
Integration of ethnic and local flavours
Airlines are incorporating fusion dishes combining global flavours with local ingredients. They are also exploring regional food offerings and adopting ethnic cuisines, especially on international routes, to provide passengers with a culturally immersive experience.
Surging emphasis on sustainability
Sustainability has emerged as a significant trend revolutionising the in-flight catering service market landscape. Airlines are increasingly eliminating the use of single-use plastics, adopting biodegradable and compostable alternatives, and sourcing ingredients responsibly to appeal to eco-conscious consumers.
Technological advancements and innovations
Caterers are leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and predictive analytics to reduce food waste, improve operational efficiency, and help them anticipate passengers’ preferences. In the forecast period, airlines are expected to deploy 3D printing technology to create customised and intricate food items with enhanced flavour and visual profiles.
Global In-Flight Catering Service Market Trends
The growing trend of health and wellness is prompting airlines to expand their range of non-alcoholic beverages to include options like craft sodas, mocktails, and functional drinks aimed at promoting digestive health, relaxation, and mental clarity. In addition, various short-haul flights are providing premium snack offerings over full meals amid shifting consumer preferences and the rising demand for smaller portions.
Airlines are increasingly offering gourmet meals and personalised in-flight dining options, particularly in first and business-class cabins, to enhance customer experience. The rising implementation of digital ordering systems for meal selection by airlines is also bolstering the market. Moreover, airlines are adopting zero-waste initiatives in their catering operations by utilising edible cutlery, reducing packaging, and making use of excess food in a responsible manner. In the forecast period, increasing investments in energy-efficient kitchen equipment and sustainable transportation options are anticipated to fuel the in-flight catering services market development.
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Global In-Flight Catering Service Industry Segmentation
The EMR’s report titled “Global In-Flight Catering Service Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:
Market Breakup by Aircraft Class
- Economy Class
- Business Class
- First Class
Market Breakup by Flight Type
- Full Services
- Low Cost
Market Breakup by Food Type
- Meals
- Bakery and Confectionery
- Beverages
- Others
Market Breakup by Region
- North America
- Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Latin America
- Middle East and Africa
Global In-Flight Catering Service Market Share
As per the in-flight catering service market analysis, full-service airlines offer a diverse range of in-flight meal options. They also enable passengers to request special dietary options and pre-select meals while offering restaurant-style dining. Meanwhile, low-cost carriers offer customers the option to purchase food and beverages on board. They typically offer meals that can be easily stored, prepared, and served, such as ready-to-eat meals and pre-wrapped sandwiches.
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Competitive Landscape
Key in-flight catering service market players are partnering with restaurants and chefs to provide unique and high-quality meal offerings to passengers. With the growing focus on sustainability, in-flight catering service companies are shifting to recyclable and biodegradable packaging, optimising delivery routes, sourcing ingredients responsibly, and investing in energy-efficient kitchen facilities.
Cathay Pacific Airways Limited
Cathay Pacific Airways Limited, established in 1946 and headquartered in Hong Kong, is a premium full-service airline. It comprises low-cost carrier HK Express, the cargo division Cathay Cargo, and its lifestyle business. A member of the Swire Group, the company is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKSE).
Flying food Group LLC
Flying food Group LLC, established in 1983 and headquartered in Illinois, United States, is a company that offers authentic meals, and digital and logistic services to the travel and retail sectors. Boasting 17 modern production kitchens stretching from Hawaii to Florida, the company offers excellent on-board passenger experience to elevate the brand value of its customers.
LSG Lufthansa Service Holding AG
LSG Lufthansa Service Holding AG, headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany, and established in 1966, is a quality and technology leader in airline catering and onboard retail. In 2023, with over 20,000 of its FTEs at 120 locations in nearly 40 countries, the company generated a consolidated revenue of EUR 2,437 million.
Newrest Group International S.A.S
Newrest Group International S.A.S, established in 1996, and headquartered in Toulouse, France, is a global leader in multi-sector catering. The company is active in all catering and related hospitality segments like buy-on-board, airline catering, duty-free on-board, rail catering, and remote site and support services, among others. In 2023/24, the company generated a revenue of EUR 2,502 million.
*Please note that this is only a partial list; the complete list of key players is available in the full report. Additionally, the list of key players can be customized to better suit your needs.*
Other key players in the in-flight catering service market include Emirates Flight Catering Company LLC and SATS Limited, among others.
*While we strive to always give you current and accurate information, the numbers depicted on the website are indicative and may differ from the actual numbers in the main report. At Expert Market Research, we aim to bring you the latest insights and trends in the market. Using our analyses and forecasts, stakeholders can understand the market dynamics, navigate challenges, and capitalize on opportunities to make data-driven strategic decisions.*
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Key Questions Answered in the Report
In 2024, the market reached an approximate value of USD 28.82 Billion.
The growth of the market is primarily driven by the increasing number of national and foreign passengers flying, economic development, rising expectations of commuters, and a rise in disposable incomes.
The key trends driving the market growth include the increasing demand for nutritious and healthy meals onboard and technological advancements leading to airline companies adopting internet meal reservation systems.
The major regions in the market are North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and the Asia Pacific.
The major types of aircraft classes are economy class, business class, and first class.
Full services and low cost are the various flight types in the market.
The leading food types in the market are meals, bakery and confectionery, and beverages, among others.
The major players in the market include Cathay Pacific Airways Limited, Emirates Flight Catering Company LLC, Flying food Group LLC, LSG Lufthansa Service Holding AG, Newrest Group International S.A.S, and SATS Limited, among others.
The market is assessed to grow at a CAGR of 5.50% between 2025 and 2034.
The market is estimated to witness healthy growth in the forecast period of 2025-2034 to reach a value of around USD 49.23 Billion by 2034.
Report Summary
Explore our key highlights of the report and gain a concise overview of key findings, trends, and actionable insights that will empower your strategic decisions.
| REPORT FEATURES | DETAILS |
| Base Year | 2023 |
| Historical Period | 2018-2024 |
| Forecast Period | 2025-2034 |
| Scope of the Report |
Historical and Forecast Trends, Industry Drivers and Constraints, Historical and Forecast Market Analysis by Segment:
|
| Breakup by Aircraft Class |
|
| Breakup by Flight Type |
|
| Breakup by Food Type |
|
| Breakup by Region |
|
| Market Dynamics |
|
| Competitive Landscape |
|
| Companies Covered |
|
| Report Price and Purchase Option | Explore our purchase options that are best suited to your resources and industry needs. |
| Delivery Format | Delivered as an attached PDF and Excel through email, with an option of receiving an editable PPT, according to the purchase option. |
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